VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said the operation of Uber taxi service is not aligned with Vietnam’s regulations and that he supports a proposal by the HCMC Taxi Association to suspend the service.

Tuan as a member of the National Traffic Safety Committee told the Daily that Uber service is not a suitable solution to be provided in the country because its operation goes against at least three prevailing laws, namely the Traffic Law, the Tax Law and the Enterprise Law.

At the same time, the service cannot guarantee the rights and safety for passengers. For example, if passengers using Uber taxi service have accidents or are overcharged, they cannot be protected by authorities in accordance with law.

The service can do only one thing: connecting the passenger and the driver, Tuan said.

The U.S. and European countries are making laws and regulations to put the service under control, he said.

Uber is accused of putting traditional taxi service in an unhealthy competition.

On the other hand, Uber cars actually operate as taxis, so they are like unregistered and non-affiliated cabs.

Moreover, the State cannot manage the service in terms of fares.

However, the deputy minister said Vietnam should not ban the service but should build regulations and legal documents that enable authorities to manage it to ensure the rights and interests of users.

SGT/VNN